Courtesy article from the Woodland Record, Thursday, July 18, 2013

After each investing more than a decade into building the Woodland Schools Foundation, its two longest serving officers are stepping down from their positions. Although Tania Garcia-Cadena will no longer be president, she has agreed to stay on as vice president to advise new president Kathy Aukes. During her eleven-year presidency, Garcia-Cadena led the transformation of a small grant-giving organization, originally called the Apple Tree Foundation, into a vibrant non-profit that distributed nearly $75,000 to local public schools last year.

“Having served as the long-time president of the Woodland Schools Foundation, I am excited to have Kathy Aukes step up to lead this amazing group of community volunteers, as we continue to raise funds to support the students and staff of Woodland Joint Unified School District,” said Garcia-Cadena. Aukes has served on the foundation board for four years and helped plan both Country 4 Coaches concerts and all three Burgers & Brew fundraisers. She owns National Town & Valley Properties Inc., and her four sons have graduated from Pioneer High School.

“Tania Garcia-Cadena has done an amazing job as president of the Woodland School's Foundation. I am proud to work with such an amazing group of volunteers who are passionate about improving Woodland schools,” said Aukes.

Outgoing Treasurer Brad Gollober has served in that position for fourteen years – since the Apple Tree Foundation began. He plans to remain on the board. Tom Connolly is the new treasurer. Connolly and his wife Rose Bacchini have organized the Foundation’s three July 4th Runs. This year, more than 100 runners participated, in spite of the heat wave. Connolly is a lawyer for Nationwide Insurance. He and Bacchini have two sons, one a senior at Woodland High School and one who recently graduated from Woodland High.

Woodland Schools Foundation board members are president Kathy Aukes, vice president Tania Garcia-Cadena, treasurer Tom Connolly, secretary Sue Walther Jones and directors Diane Davies-Conley, Brad Gollober, Debra Gonella, Julie Mast and Gary Sandy. The board is grateful to outgoing vice president Dawnese Kindelt and outgoing secretary Monique Ward.

The foundation is actively recruiting directors. Contact Kathy Aukes, keaukes@yahoo.com, for information on applying.